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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

All You Need to Know About Uber and a Exclusive Deal!

Uber has literally been taking over Detroit. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when they brought this service to Detroit. Would it be reliable, would it be affordable, and would people us it? It's reliable, it’s affordable, and we cannot stop using it! There is nothing less hip than drinking and driving and Uber has made it totally un-necessary to do so.

With summer on its way and festival season approaching, we thought it was time to check in with Uber and get the scoop for our readers. We think that all of you are going to be using this all the time and we wanted to know more. Check out what Detroit General Manager Mike White has to say about the service and download the app to your phone now. We promise that you won’t regret it! Uber is connecting Detroit in a way that we haven’t seen before and we love it!

HID- What made you bring Uber to Detroit?Mike White- "Uber came to Detroit because we saw huge opportunity in a comeback city with a growing tech community that we wanted to be a part of. Before we ever launched, there were thousands of Detroiters who had already opened the Uber app looking for our service, so we knew that there would be strong demand here. The dramatic growth we’ve seen in the first year proves we were right.

Our technology solves the real problem for Detroiters looking for convenient, reliable transportation options in the metro area where there currently aren’t many other choices. Uber also offers economic opportunity to drivers who are able to increase their own economy by using our app. The growth in usage of Uber for both drivers and riders is a testament to the value we bring to the city."

HID- Do you get to pick the car that you ride in?Mike White- "In Detroit, Uber has three transportation options for riders. Riders can request UberBLACK for a luxury executive sedan such as a Cadillac DTS, Chrysler 300, or Lincoln Towncar; UberSUV for a full-size luxury SUV like a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator; or uberX for a mid-size sedan like a Ford Focus or Chevy Cruz."

HID- What the difference between Uber and UberX?Mike White- "UberBLACK and UberSUV rides are provided by commercially licensed and insured partners and drivers. They are typically professional drivers operating luxury vehicles, with a price point that is about 20%-30% higher than a taxi.

uberX is our lowest-cost option based on a ridesharing model. Qualified drivers provide rides using their own vehicle at a cost that averages around 20% less than a taxi. Drivers are backed by Uber’s corporate insurance policy, which you can learn more about here: http://blog.uber.com/ridesharinginsurance."

HID- How do you ensure that your drivers are all safe to be driving us all around?Mike White- "Uber maintains safety as a top priority in all of its operations.

For UberBLACK and UberSUV, Uber ensures its partners meet the commercial licensing and insurance requirements for limousine operators in Michigan.

For uberX, Uber has a best in class safety and screening process for drivers. We screen all uberX drivers with a federal, multi-state, and county background check, in addition to inspecting their vehicles, training drivers on the Uber system, and conducting a screening interview.

What’s more, all Uber trips undergo a feedback loop for riders and drivers to ensure the highest quality is maintained on the system for all users."

uberX drivers must have a 2004 or newer vehicle in excellent condition, a valid Michigan driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and registration. Interested parties will also need to pass a rigorous background check.

UberBLACK and UberSUV partners need to provide proof that they are commercially licensed and insured as limousine companies in Michigan. They must have a black, luxury sedan or SUV."

HID- Is their a limit to how far an Uber can go?Mike White- "Uber does not limit the length of the trip. Anytime our driver partners are available in the app, they are available for rides within Metro Detroit. Passengers looking to go outside of this area should discuss the trip with their driver immediately after making a trip request."

HID- Are there any areas of Detroit or the Detroit Metro area that Uber won't go?Mike White- "The Uber service is available throughout Metro Detroit. You can see the approximate boundaries of our service area, in blue, on our website here: www.uber.com/detroit."

HID- Do drivers report a lot of throwing up in Uber cars?Mike White- "The first usage occasions in Detroit were weekend evenings when riders were looking for safe rides to and from bars and restaurants. We’ve been really proud to support responsible drinking in metro Detroit and increase the options for riders to get home safely if they’ve had too much to drink."

HID- How does someone book a ride with Uber?Mike White- "Riders can download the Uber app from the iTunes or Google Play store, create an account, and tap the app to request a ride. Drivers are usually available to pick-up passengers in about 5-10 minutes. It’s a safe, reliable, and convenient way to get a ride."

HID- How is the cost of a ride calculated?Mike White- "The cost of a ride is the base fare plus the time and distance charge for the length of the trip. You can see the pricing and estimate your fare on our website: www.uber.com/detroit."

HID- Is there a minimum fare?Mike White- "Yes, however the minimum fare varies by the type of vehicle requested. You can see the minimum fares on our website: www.uber.com/detroit."

HID- Anything else that you want our readers to know ?Mike White- "Uber is meeting a huge regional need by providing safe, reliable, and convenient transportation options to Detroiters and while providing economic opportunity to our driver partners. We’re extremely excited to be a part of the economic redevelopment and growth occurring in the region.
Follow our progress on Twitter at @Uber_DET"